WIPA stands for the Water Infrastructure Protection Act (Act, N.J.S.A. 58:30-1 et seq). It was passed by the New Jersey Legislature in 2015. The Act authorizes certain owners of water or wastewater systems to enter into a long-term lease or sell their water or wastewater assets to a capable private or public entity, without a referendum, if Emergent Conditions exist. In order to qualify for WIPA consideration, an owner must demonstrate the existence of at least one of the five Emergent Conditions specified by the Act.

The DEP has prepared resources to aid systems in preparing for submission of documents to the DEP as part of the WIPA process. The guidance provided is not intended to serve regulatory requirements.